How do I find second chance apartments in Boise?

Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Boise has 30 affordable housing properties. Many accept tenants with criminal records on a case-by-case basis. Call the property manager, explain your situation honestly, and ask about their screening criteria. Private landlords and smaller complexes tend to be more flexible than large corporate-managed properties.

Will a felony disqualify me from renting in Boise?

Not necessarily. Many landlords in Boise do individual assessments rather than blanket rejections. The type of conviction, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation all matter. Idaho may have fair housing protections that limit how landlords can use criminal records in screening. Always ask about the specific policy before paying an application fee.

What is the average rent in Boise?

Rent varies widely in Boise. Subsidized housing through LIHTC or Section 8 programs typically costs 30% of your adjusted gross income, which can be significantly less than market rate. Contact local housing authorities for current availability and rates.

Are there sober living homes in Boise?

While there are no Oxford Houses currently listed in Boise, there are other sober living options. Contact local recovery organizations, the Idaho substance abuse helpline, or SAMHSA's national helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for referrals to sober living homes in your area.

What are HUD housing counseling agencies?

HUD-approved housing counseling agencies provide free or low-cost advice on renting, buying, default/foreclosure prevention, and credit repair. Boise has 5 HUD-approved counseling agencies. They can help you understand your rights, navigate the application process, and find housing that works for your situation — including if you have a criminal record.

Can I get Section 8 housing with a criminal record in Idaho?

Most criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify you from Section 8 housing. The main disqualifications are: lifetime sex offender registration and methamphetamine production convictions. Individual housing authorities have discretion on other offenses. Apply directly to the Boise Housing Authority and be honest about your history. Wait times can be long, so apply as soon as possible.

Second Chance Apartments in Boise, ID

Last updated: 2026-03-25

Boise, ID Housing at a Glance

Affordable Properties

Oxford Houses

N/A

FMR 2BR Rent

Counseling Agencies

Finding Second Chance Housing in Boise

Finding an apartment with a criminal record in Boise can be challenging, but it is far from impossible. The Boise metro area has 30 affordable housing properties, including 30 LIHTC (tax credit) properties and 0 Section 8 properties. Many of these evaluate applicants individually rather than using blanket criminal record bans.

Your best strategy is to call properties directly before submitting an application. Ask the property manager about their screening criteria for criminal history. This saves you both time and non-refundable application fees. Private landlords and smaller complexes tend to be more flexible than large corporate management companies.

If you need help navigating the process, Boise has 5 HUD-approved housing counseling agencies that provide free assistance with finding housing, understanding your rights, and improving your rental application. These counselors know which local properties are most open to second chance tenants.

Largest Affordable Housing Properties in Boise

These are the largest subsidized properties by unit count. Contact them directly to ask about availability and screening policies.

Property	Address	Type	Units
Civic Plaza	190 East Front Street, Boise, ID 83702	LIHTC	299
Arbor Crossing	5122 West Stoker Lane, Boise, ID 83703	LIHTC	228
Oak Park Village	2888 West Cherry Lane, Boise, ID 83705	LIHTC	200
River Plaza	1249 Grand Avenue, Boise, ID 83702	LIHTC	116
Samaritan Village	3350 North Collister Drive, Boise, ID 83703	LIHTC	100
Park River Apts	725 N Stilson Rd, Boise, ID 83703	LIHTC	91
Brentwood Manor	3165 South Apple Street, Boise, ID 83706	LIHTC	80
Towne Square Village II	244 North Allumbaugh Street, Boise, ID 83704	LIHTC	80
Towne Square Village Apts I	244 N Allumbaugh St, Boise, ID 83704	LIHTC	80
Northwest Pointe	3475 North Five Mile Road, Boise, ID 83713	LIHTC	77

Federal Halfway Houses (Residential Reentry Centers)

BOP-contracted facilities that provide transitional housing for individuals completing federal sentences.

Port of Hope Centers, Inc. — Boise, ID · 208-463-0118

HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies

Free or low-cost housing counseling. These agencies can help you find housing, understand your rights, and navigate applications.

NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES INC DBA NEIGHBORWORKS BOISE

3380 W Americana Ter Ste 120, Boise, ID

208-343-4065amosgopoulos@nwboise.orgwebsite

Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop, Rental Housing Counseling, Rental Housing Workshop

JESSE TREE

1121 W Miller St, Boise, ID

209-383-9486website

Services: Financial/Budget Workshop, Fair Housing Workshop, Homeless Counseling, Rental Housing Counseling, Rental Housing Workshop

IDAHO HOUSING AND FINANCE ASSOCIATION

565 West Myrtle, BOISE, ID

877-695-2655housingcounseling@ihfa.orgwebsite

Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Financial/Budget Counseling, Financial/Budget Workshop, Home Improvement/Rehabilitation Counseling, Homeless Counseling, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop, Rental Housing Counseling, Rental Housing Workshop, Reverse Mortgage Counseling

IDAHO HOUSING AND FINANCE ASSOCIATION

565 W Myrtle St, Boise, ID

877-695-2655housingcounseling@ihfa.orgwebsite

Services: Default/Foreclosure Counseling, Financial/Budget Workshop, Homeless Counseling, Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase Workshop, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop, Rental Housing Counseling, Rental Housing Workshop, Reverse Mortgage Counseling

DEBT REDUCTION SERVICES, INC. DBA MONEY FIT

6213 N Cloverdale Rd, Boise, ID

877-688-3328website

Services: Financial/Budget Counseling, Financial/Budget Workshop, Fair Housing Workshop, Non-Delinquency Post-Purchase Workshop, Predatory Lending Workshop, Pre-Purchase Counseling, Pre-Purchase Workshop, Reverse Mortgage Counseling

Tips for Finding Housing with a Record

1.Call properties directly before applying. Ask the manager about their screening policy for criminal records — this saves you time and application fees.
2.Try private landlords and smaller complexes first. Individual owners are often more flexible than corporate property management companies.
3.Prepare a "rental resume" with references from employers, parole/probation officers, past landlords, or community organizations that can vouch for you.
4.Offer a larger security deposit or several months of rent upfront if you can. This reduces the landlord's perceived risk.
5.Look into LIHTC (Low-Income Housing Tax Credit) properties — they have income requirements but many are more lenient on background checks than market-rate apartments.
6.Contact HUD-approved housing counseling agencies for free help navigating the process. They know which local properties work with people who have records.
7.Be honest about your history. If a landlord discovers you lied on an application, that is usually grounds for immediate lease termination.
8.Check if your conviction can be expunged or sealed. A clean record makes the housing search much easier. Visit our expungement guide for your state.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find second chance apartments in Boise?: Start by contacting LIHTC and Section 8 properties directly — Boise has 30 affordable housing properties. Many accept tenants with criminal records on a case-by-case basis. Call the property manager, explain your situation honestly, and ask about their screening criteria. Private landlords and smaller complexes tend to be more flexible than large corporate-managed properties.
Will a felony disqualify me from renting in Boise?: Not necessarily. Many landlords in Boise do individual assessments rather than blanket rejections. The type of conviction, how long ago it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation all matter. Idaho may have fair housing protections that limit how landlords can use criminal records in screening. Always ask about the specific policy before paying an application fee.
What is the average rent in Boise?: Rent varies widely in Boise. Subsidized housing through LIHTC or Section 8 programs typically costs 30% of your adjusted gross income, which can be significantly less than market rate. Contact local housing authorities for current availability and rates.
Are there sober living homes in Boise?: While there are no Oxford Houses currently listed in Boise, there are other sober living options. Contact local recovery organizations, the Idaho substance abuse helpline, or SAMHSA's national helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for referrals to sober living homes in your area.
What are HUD housing counseling agencies?: HUD-approved housing counseling agencies provide free or low-cost advice on renting, buying, default/foreclosure prevention, and credit repair. Boise has 5 HUD-approved counseling agencies. They can help you understand your rights, navigate the application process, and find housing that works for your situation — including if you have a criminal record.
Can I get Section 8 housing with a criminal record in Idaho?: Most criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify you from Section 8 housing. The main disqualifications are: lifetime sex offender registration and methamphetamine production convictions. Individual housing authorities have discretion on other offenses. Apply directly to the Boise Housing Authority and be honest about your history. Wait times can be long, so apply as soon as possible.

Related Resources on This Site

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Jobs by CityFelony friendly jobs in Boise, ID
Eviction-FriendlyEviction-friendly apartments in Boise, ID
halfway-housesHalfway houses in Boise, ID
Sober LivingSober living homes in Boise, ID
transitional-housingTransitional Housing in Boise, ID
ExpungementIdaho expungement guide
Voting RightsFelon voting rights in Idaho
Gun RightsFelon gun rights in Idaho

Helpful guides

RecoveryNA meetings — how to find one
Banking & CreditPredatory Lending Guide
EducationPell grants for felons
Food & BenefitsP-EBT and Summer EBT (SUN Bucks)

Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Housing availability, screening policies, and rental rates change frequently. Always contact properties directly to confirm current availability and policies. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from housing — many properties evaluate applicants individually. For legal advice about your housing rights, contact a local HUD Fair Housing office or a legal aid organization.